Effects of Vitamin C on the Spatial Memory and Lipid Peroxidation of Rat Hippocampus Poisoned with Crack Cocaine

Crack is a processed solid form of cocaine that includes stronger addictive effects than those of cocaine powder. Abuse of psychological stimuli, including crack cocaine, includes adverse effects on the memory and learning. Use of vitamins has been suggested as an effective treatment for the substance abuse. The aim of this study was to assess effects of the intraperitoneal injection of vitamin C on spatial memory and lipid peroxidation in the hippocampus of rats during crack cocaine poisoning.

This study was carried out on six groups of six male rats. Three days after intraperitoneal injection of crack cocaine, vitamin C or a combination of these drugs in the experimental groups for five days, Morris water maze device was used to assess spatial memory-linked parameters. Rats were then sacrificed and their hippocampus was removed and lipid peroxidation in this brain site was assessed using malondialdehyde. Statistical analysis of data was carried out using one-way analysis of variance and SPSS Software. Statistical analysis of data was carried out using  one-way analysis of variance, Tukey post-hoc test and SPSS Software.

Intraperitoneal injection of high doses of crack cocaine (15 mg/kg) significantly decreased parameters associated to the spatial memory on Days 3 and 4 of the experiments (p < 0.01). Intraperitoneal injection of 50 mg/kg vitamin C improved spatial memory in rats poisoned with crack (p < 0.05) with no effects on lipid peroxidation in hippocampus
(p > 0.05).

Doses of vitamin C in this study were able to improve the spatial memory function of rats treated with crack cocaine to normal levels.